Self-propelled traverse for mechanical car parking systems



June 24, 1958 D. E. GROVE ETAL 2,840,248 SELF-PROPELLED TRAVERSE FORMECHANICAL CAR PARKING SYSTEMS Filed May 27, 1955 v '7 Sheets-Sheet JJNVENTOR.

Donnm 5.82M a, CnnusnefMaunueu BY I a 53 A'r'rounav D. E. GROVE ETALSELF-PROPELLED TRAVERSE FOR MECHANICAL June 24; 1958 CAR PARKING SYSTEMS7 Sheets-Sheet 2 FiledMay27, 1955 3. .33. [CECE 13. .31 EEEEL 1 .1.

truck 1 .33 EEEEE 33. [CECE F/Ll llilu 1/ M////////'/v//./////////////"//17//i 1 1. 1. 1 .ECEEE 33. .3. l E L 3. .1 .ELEEE1.3.1 .3 CECE 3.33. .EEEEE 3.1.1 [CECE 13. .1. .EEEEE 1.1.1. CE ECEEEEE.

EE IS ATTORHEY E. GROVE ET AL 2,840,248

TRAVERSE FOR 4 MECHANICAL MS June 24, 1958 -D.

SELF-PROPELLED CAR PARKING SYSTE I 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 27. 1955INVENTOR.

76 I Damn 2.620% r, Cams Li F. MamuaH A-r-ronnav D. E. GROVE ET ALSELF-PROPELLED TRAVERSE FOR MECHANICAL June 24, 1958 CAR PARKING SYSTEMS7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 27. 1955 INVENTOR. DonmEC-nova Cnnusua F.Mnmueu ATTORNEY June 24, 1958 D. E. GROVE ET AL 2,840,248

. SELF-PROPELLED'TRAVERSE FOR MECHANICAL CAR PARKING SYS TEMS E ..ElDONALV LGROVE y QDRUSLE Mnmuen TORNEV June 1958 D. E. GROVE ET ALSELF-PROPELLED TRAVERSE FOR MECHANICAL CAR PARKING SYSTEMS 7Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed May 27, 1955 w m Y mw E NOQ H WRM R m n M. A

Q m0 U United States Patent SELF-PROPELLED TRAVERSE FOR MECHANICAL CARPARKING SYSTEMS Donald E. Grove, Northridge, and Carlisle F. Manaugh,Pacific Palisades, Calif.

Application May 27, 1955, Serial No. 511,584

11 Claims. (Cl. 214-161) plurality of stalls arranged'in rows on each ofthe upper stories of a parking structure, and between any selected oneof which and street level entrance and exit ways cars are. transportedby a suitable crane. The crane carries a so-called traverse device,which is selectively operable to move cars on and olf the lift platformof the crane when the platform is positioned at the street levelentrance or exit way, or in alinement with a selected upper story stall.

In operation of such a parking system, a car delivered by an owner ispositioned in a loadingarea opposite the craneway, whereupon theoperator of the parking facility controls the crane mechanism to bringthe lift platform to its ground floor loading position in line with thecar. The traverse device is then'operated to move the unoccupied caronto the crane platform, the crane is elevated and translated toa'position of alinement with a selected stall of the system, and thetraverse then again operated to move the car from the crane platforminto the selected'stall. The operation of the system is substantiallyreversed when a car is redelivered to its owner.

A copending application of Carlisle F. Manaugh, Serial No. 376,152,filed August 24, 1953, now Patent No. 2,714,456, and entitled CarParking System discloses one form of the above described system, and towhich the present traverse device is illustratively applicable.

One of the primary deficiencies of prior traverse devices, for use insuch mechanical parking systems, has been their inability to functionsatisfactorily with all makes of cars owing to the differences in treadwidth, length and underframe formations of the various makes of cars.

These prior traverse devices generally were of two types, one of whichtypes functioned to push orpull the car from one point to another withthe car moving. on its own wheels, while in the other type, the car waselevated, carried from one point to another and then deposited.

It will be apparent that in the former type of traverse device, meansfor guiding the vehicle are required, which means generally consisted oftroughs for receiving the wheels of the vehicle. Obviously, such anarrangement is not adapted for use with cars of varying tread widths.

In the latter of the above mentioned types of traverse devices, thetraverse generally comprised a wheeled vehicle which carried poweroperated lift means for engaging the underframe of the car to lift thelatter on 2,840,248 Patented lune 24, 1958 "ice 7 o A V of its wheels.Suitable drive mechanism for propelling the vehicle.

The lift means in such traverse devices generally consisted of either aplatform for indiscriminately engaging several points of the underframeor a plurality of simultaneously operable lift devices or supports forengaging certain predetermined pointson the underframe.-

A platform type lift mechanism is unsatisfactory since the platform must-be of a width to permit vertical movement thereof between the wheels ofa car of mini mum tread width while providing adequate supportfor a carof'maximum tread width. Owing to relatively great difference in-treadWidths of'present day vehicles, those of maximum tread width cannot bestably'supported on platforms designed, for example, to support sportscars. Moreover, since the platform engaged the underframe of the carindiscriminately, damage was often caused to the latterjdue to bearingof the platform against grease fittings and other fragile elements notdesigned as pressure points.

While traverse devices incorporating lift mechanisms designed to engageselected points of the underframe were generally satisfactory from thestandpoint of not causing damage to the car inasmuch as bearing pointswere selected that were capable of sustaining the weight of the car,such traverses functioned properly only with cars which incorporate'suchpoints. Since the under framesof cars differ greatly in size andarrangement of parts, the use of such a traverse device was severely restricted. Moreover,the use of such traverse arrange ments necessitatedextremely careful alinement of the car and traverse device.

Further, while the points on the underfrarne of the car that wereselected as pressure points for bearing 1 against the lift mechanismweretheoretically capableof sustaining the'weight'of the car, such pointswere'not, in the manufacture of the car, designed specifically aspressure points so that frequently the structure consti tuting saidbearing points would become deformed or misalined under the weight ofthe car.

Accordingly, it 'may be stated as a general'object of the presentinvention the provision of a traverse: de vice for mechanical parkingsystems which avoids the foregoing and "other deficiencies of existingtraverse devices.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a traverse devicewhich is capable of functioning in a completely satisfactory manner withsubstantially all existing makes of cars. 1 'l Still another object ofthe invention is the provision of a traverse device which is operable toelevate" and transport a car from one point to another and wherein thelift mechanism for elevating the'car contacts the latter at pointswhichare specifically designed as pressure points for sustaining theweight of the car. 7 V

Afurther object of the invention is the provision of a traverse devicewhich incorporates lift mechanisrii engageable under the wheels of the'car so the weight of the latter is supported Without thepossibility'ofdamf age to the car and which is designed to accommodatesubstantially all existing makes of cars. J Still a further object isthe provision of an improved self-propelled traverse device formechanical parking systems. Yet a further object of theinvention is theprovision of a traverse deviee'as in the foregoing which is relativelysimple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, easy to operate, andrequires a minimum of service andmaintenance. j The traverse of thisinvention in a present preferred illustrative embodiment thereof,comprises a self-propelled vehicle consisting of forward andafter liftsections anda was provided center tractor section. Each of the forwardand after sections mount, at opposite sides thereof, horizontallyextendable and retractable and vertically movable fork lift' devices forthe four'wheels'ofa car. Each of these fork lift devices comprises forkmernbers which are adapted to befprojecte d" between {spaced car wheelsupporting Tmembers on the floors of the several parking stalls andfloorof the ground level loading and unloading area of the parkingfacility. The wheel supporting members at -opposite sidesof the cardefine therebetween a central.runway into which the traverse is movablewhen thefork lift'devices are retracted for positioning of the traverseunder a car supported on said members. The forward and .after liftsections carry operating means for first horizontally moving the forklift devices totheir: laterally extended positions wherein their forkmembersare received between'the spaced wheel supporting members underthe car wheels supported thereon, and subsequently to their elevatedpositions wherein their fork members are'raised above the wheelsupporting members. The traverse is movable; with the car carried inelevated position thereon, onto the lift platform of a crane mechanism,the latter being operable to transport the traverse and car between saidground level loading and unloading area and a selected one of saidparking stalls. x

...The traverse, with the car supported thereon is movable off the craneplatform, when the latter is at the ground level loading and unloadingarea'or at a selected one of. said parking stalls, to deposit the canonthe wheel supporting. members on the .fiooriof said area or stall byoperation of said" fork lift operating means to first lowerandsubsequently horizontally retract the fork lift devices.;...". f V

A more complete understanding of the invention as well "as afullerappreciation of its objects and advantages may be had by a readingof the following detailed description of a present preferred embodimentthereof, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings,wherein: Fig. 1 isa partial perspective view of a mechanical parking.installation utilizing the traverse device of this invention, thetraverse being illustrated in general outline only owing toits.'reduc'ed. sizeinthe figure and shown in. its loading and unloadingposition in one of the stalls of the installation with certain fork liftdevices embodied in theftraverse shown in their-elevated position; .Fig.2 is an enlarged view in perspective of a section taken substantiallyalong line 2 2 of Fig. l; i

Fig. 3 is .a;section taken .along line. 33 of Fig. 2; Figs. 4.and 5 areenlarged sections taken transversely through one ofthe parking. stallsof Fig. ,1 and illustrating certain phases of the operation ofthepresent traverse; Fig. 6 is a top plan viewof a forward lift sectionembodied in the present traverse with certain hydraulic lines carriedthereby omitted for the sake of clarity; Fig. 7 is a side elevation ofthe l ift section of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a section taken along line 88 ofFig. 7; Fig. 9 is. a section taken. along line 9--9 of Fig. 7; Fig. 10is a section takenalong line 1010 of Fig. 7; Fig. "11. is a sectiontaken along line;11-1l of Fig.v 10; FigglZ is a section taken along line12-12 of Fig. 7 illustrating the fork lift devices and operating meanstherefor, embodied in the forward lift section, in their. retractedposition; p Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12 illustrating theforward section fork lift devices and their operating means in extendedposition, an intermediate position of these parts being indicated inphantom lines; s Fig. 14 is a section taken along line 14-1 4 of Fig. 7;Fig. 15 is a 'top .plan view of an after lift section embodied in thepresent traverse with certain hydraulic lines carried thereby omittedfor the sake of clarity;

Fig. 16 is a section taken along line 16-16 of Fig. 15; Fig. 17 is a topplan view of .an intermediate tractor section embodied in the presenttraverse with certain '4 hydraulic lines carried thereby omitted for thesake of clarity; V

Fig. 18 is a side elevation of the tractor section of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a section taken along line 1919 of Fig. 17; Fig. 20 is asection taken along line 20-20 of Fig. 17; Fig. 21 is a section takenalong line 2121 of Fig. 17 Fig. 22 is a sectiontaken along line 22--22of Fig. 17; Fig. 23 is a reduced top plan view of the entire traverse ofthis invention illustrating the hydraulic system embodied therein; 7

Fig. 24 is a side elevation of the traverse of Fig. 23; Fig. 25 is asection taken along line 25-25 of Fig. 24; and

Fig. 26 is a section taken along line 2626 of Fig. 24. Referring firstto Figs. 1-5 of the drawings, there is illustrated a section of amechanical parking system incorporating the traverse device of thisinvention.

While this parking system is-preferably of the type other typesofparking systems, and, in fact, the present other conduit, serving as thesupply line when traverse device may be'considered as having generalutility for transporting cars or other similar objects from one point toanother. 7 a

The illustrated parking system comprises a crane mechanism 30 which ismovably supported on tracks, not shown, for horizontal movement in thedirections indi cated by the arrow A in a craneway E between twomultiple story storage units, in a conventional arrangement, only afragmentaryportion of one story or tier of one such unit beingillustrated. Each upper story tier of each such storage unit has a rowof open front parking stalls 31 opening to.the craneway. Crane mechanism30 carries a vertically movable lift platform 32, the crane mechanismand lift platform being operated by suitable drive mechanism, not shown,and controlled from a control panel 33 ofone side of the lift platform.p In operation of the parking system, the crane mechanism and liftplatform are adapted to be controlled from panel 33, for vertical andhorizontal'movement of the platform between loading and unloadingpositions at street level, not 'shown, and a loading and unloadingposition, illustrated in Fig. l, in alinement with a selected one of theparking stalls 31. V

Generally indicated at 34 is the traverse device of this invention,consisting generally of a forward lift section 35, an intermediatepropulsion or tractor section 36, andan after lift section 37, theforward and afterlift sections being provided with wheels 38 and thetractor section being provided with treads 39. Each of the forward andafter lift sections incorporate fork-type lift devices generallyindicated at 40, 41, 42, and 43 and equipped with wheel engaging forkmembers 83 which may belaterally extended'and vertically moved throughthe operation of certain mechanism, preferably hydraulic, not shown inFig. 1, as will be presently more fully de scribed. These fork liftdevices are, in Fig. 1, shown in their laterally extended, elevatedpositions.-

Tractor section 36 incorporates drive means, preferably in the form of ahydraulic motor, not shown in Fig. l, for driving the treads 39 so as topropel the traverse in opposite directions, as will be presently morefully described.

The above mentioned hydraulic mechanism for operating the .fork liftdevices on the forward and after sections of the traverse are suppliedwith operating fluid through'a pair of flexible conduits 44 and 45, oneof such conduits serving as the supply line and the other as the exhaustline when the fork lifts are to be extended, and said oneconduit servingas theexhaust line and said the fork lifts are tobe retractedr a Thehydraulic motor for propelling the traverse is F likewise supplied withoperating fluid through a pair of flexible conduits 46 and 47 each ofwhich serves either as a supply line or an exhaust line depending uponthe desired direction of motion of the traverse.

Conduits 44 and 45 each pass between a pair of spaced, coplanar sheaves48 rotatably mounted below and accessible through openings in the liftplatform 32, as shown, and are wound on a pair of drums 49 journaledon'vertical axes and enclosed within cylindrical, stationary housings49, the sheaves being substantially tangent to the plane of the uppersurface of the lift platform, as illustrated.

Conduits 46 and 47 similarly pass between pairs of spaced, coplanarsheaves 50 andare wound on a pair of drums journaled'on vertical axesand enclosed within stationary housings 51 in the same manner as drums49, the spacing between the pairs of sheaves 50 being somewhat less thanthe spacing between the pairs of sheaves 48, as shown. The drums arespring tensioned, as shown in Fig. 3, in a direction to rewind theconduits thereon. The spring tension is equalized on the several drumsso that the equal tension in the conduits 44, 45, 46, and 47 will tendto maintain straight line movement of the traverse;

Fluid for operating the traverse is received from a source 52 throughpiping 53 connecting the source to the conduits 44, 45, 46, and 47through rotary fluid couplings at the drums 49 and 51, as shown in Fig.3. Operation of the traverse, and also the crane mechanism, iscontrolled, as previously mentioned, by an operator located at thecontrol panel 33.

The parking stalls 31 are each. formed with a floor which includes acentral runway 54 and raised front and rear side portions 55, each ofthe latter being transversely grooved so as to form alternate ribs 56and grooves 57 extending normal to the way 54. The spacing between theelevated side portions 55 on opposite sides of way 54 is less than thetread width of the smallest car made while the width of the stall issufficient to accommodate the largest car. A car C when parked in thestall is disposed with its wheels W resting on the raised side portions55, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

The forward end of the traverse mounts bumpers 58 for engagement withthe rear end wall 59 of the stall, the arrangement being such that whenbumpers 58 are engaged with end wall 59, the fork members 83 of the forklift devices 46, 41, 42, and 43 will be alined with the grooves 57 inside portions 55 of the stall floor, the spacing between the forks beingthe same as the spacing between the grooves.

Similar bumpers 58 are mounted on the after end of the traverse forengagement with the end wall of a stall (not shown) on the opposite sideof the craneway, the traverse being adapted to move ofi the liftplatform in either direction into a parking stall.

In the operation of the traverse, as thus far described, to remove aparked car from a stall, and assuming the crane mechanism has beenoperated to aline its lift platform with'a selected oneof the stalls 31from which a car C is to be withdrawn, the operator on the platformcontrols the traverse, by the manipulation of suitable controls, notshown, on control panel 33 to propel it off the lift platform and intothe parking stall to the position of Fig. 1. Suitable means, not shown,such as conventional overload relief valves may be incorporated in thehydraulic system for bypassing fluid around the propulsion motor uponthe increase in line pressure occasioned by engagement of bumpers 57with wall 58.

During the previous operation of depositing the car in the stall, thecar will have been positioned with its wheels horizontally alinedwiththe fork lift devices of the traverse when the latter has itsbumpers 58 engaged with the end wall 59 of the stall, thefposition ofFig. 1.

' The operator now actuates the controls for 'the hydraulic mechanism ofthe lift devices 40, 41, 42, and 43 to cause the latter to first movefrom their retracted position (solid lines Fig. 4) to their laterallyextended positions (phantom lines Fig. 4), withtheir fork members 83extending into the grooves 57 under the wheels of the car, and then totheir raised positions (Figs. 1 and 5) so as to elevate the car and forkmembers above the ribs 56. The traverse is now controlled to move, withthe car supported in elevated position thereon, onto the lift platformand the latter is lowered to its unloading position at ground floorlevel. I

The traverse is then moved off the lift platform, and the fork liftdevice are lowered and retracted so as to deposit the car on the floorat ground level, the latter being provided with suitable means to permitthe fork lifts to be so retracted. A grooved floor structure generallysimilar to that used in the stalls may be employed.

Parking of a car is, of course, accomplished by a reversal of the abovedescribed procedure for returning a car from a parking stall to itsowner.

The traverse will now be described in greater detail by reference toFigs. 6.through 26 of the drawings.

Referring first to Figs. 6 through 14, the forward lift section 35comprises a main frame 66, of generally channel construction, toopposite sides at adjacent opposite ends of which are fixed pairs ofbrackets 61 bridged by I bearing plates 62 between which are journaledthe wheels 38 for supporting the front lift section.

Thecentral portion of frame 60 is recessed, as at 63, and fixed to theunderside-of top plates 64 of the frame 66, adjacent to and on oppositesides of this recessed portion are parallel, transversely extendingguides 65.

As shown more clearly in Figs. 8 and 9, each of these guides comprises acenter, Lbeam section 66 which is bolted, or otherwise secured to theunderside of top plates 64. Plates 67 are bolted to the flanges atopposite sides of the beam to form, in each beam, a pair of guideways 68and 69. Extending through and normal to plates 67 and the web of beam66, adjacent the flanges of the latter, are pairs of shafts 70 eachhaving journaled thereon, at'opposite sides of said web, a pair ofrollers 71.

Mounted in each pair of guideways 68 and 69, between the rollers 71thereof, for movement laterally of the frame 60, are pairs of guide bars72 and 73 which support the fork lift devices 40 and 41 on the frame 60.

The ends of the pair of guide bars '72 at one side of frame 60 aresecured to and bridged by a cross frame 74"and the ends of the pair ofguide bars 73, at the other side of frame 69, are secured to and bridgedby a cross frame 75. Cross frames 74 and 75 are similar in construction,the latter frame, however, being somewhat longer owing to the greaterspacing between guide bars 73.

'Referringnow to Figs, 10 and 11, cross frame 74 comprises a bottomcross tie 76 fixed at opposite ends to the guide bars '72 and a pair oftop cross ties 77 and 78 each having one end fixed to the guide bars 72and terminating in spaced relation, as shown. Extending between andfixedat opposite ends to cross ties 76 and 77 are a vertical guide 79, areinforcing bar 80, and a toggle support bar 81 having an enlarged lowerportion 81, as shown. Extending between and fixed at opposite ends tocross ties 76 and 78 are a second toggle support bar 81, also having anenlarged lower portion 81', and a second vertical guide 79.

As indicated in Figs. 6 and 7 cross frame 75 is similar in constructionto cross frame 74 except that its lower cross tie 76 and upper crossties 77 and 78' are somewhat longer than those of cross frame 74 toaccommodate the increased spacing of guide bars 73.

Guided for vertical movement on the cross frames are the fork liftdevices 40 and 41 each comprising a fork a 7 form, in effect, adepression for the carfl p w j Mounted on (the inner sides of supportplates 82, adjacent'thelower edges thereof, are pairs of guide blocks 84each including pairs of rollers 85 bearing on opposite sides of thevertical guides 79 for guiding support plates 82 in their verticalmovement on thecross frames;

Also mounted on the inner sides of support plates 82, adjacent the upperedges thereof, and in vertical alinement with the spaces between theenlarged lower portions 81 of toggle support bars 81 are toggle supportblocks 86. A togglelink assembly 87 is associated with each fork liftdevice, each assembly comprising a pair of pivotally connected togglelinks 88 and 89. Toggle links 88 have their free ends pivoted. to togglesupport blocks 86, as shown,'while the free ends of toggle links 89 arepivotally connected to. and between the lower enlarged portions 81' ofthe toggle support bars 81 as by journal pins 90 extending through saidenlarged portions and the links 89, as shown.

Indicated at 91 are a pair of hydraulic cylinder assemblies foroperating the fork lift devices between their raised extended andretracted positions. Each of these cylinder assemblies comprises ahydraulic cylinder 92 provided intermediate its ends with oppositelyextending, coaxial lugs 93 which are journaled in upstanding journalreceiving the wheels of blocks 94 fixed to the recessed central portion63 of frame 60, the outer end of thecylinder extending through theadjacent cross frame and through, a clearance opening in the adjacentfork lift support plate 82, as shown.

The piston rods 95 of the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 91 are pivotedto their adjacent toggle link assemblies 87 as by the pin 96 which joinsthe toggle linksof each toggle link assembly, passing through the pistonrod, as shown. V I

Operation of the hydraulic. cylinder and toggle link assemblies is asfollows. When the fork and lift devices are in their retracted positionthe fork lift support plates 82 are in their lowermost position on thecross frames 74 and 75'and the latter abut, the sides of frame 60, asshown in Figs. 6 and 12. With the parts in this position the piston rods95 are withdrawn into the cylinders 92 and the toggle links of thetogglelink assemblies are angulated as shown in Fig. 12.

Introduction of hydraulic fluid to the outer end of cylinders 92, fromthe aforementioned'fiuid conduits 44 and 45 (only the cylinder portshave, for clarity, been shown in Fig. 6, the piping connecting saidports to conduits and to be presently described) causes the piston rods95 to move out of the cylinders. Owing to the relatively free movementof the guide rods 72 and 73 in their guides 65, the toggle linkageassemblies will remain in the positions shown in Fig. 12 and the forklift devices will be moved to their laterally extended positions showninphantom lines in Figsi 4 and 12 wherein enlarged heads 96 (Fig.6)'secured to the ends of guide rods 72 and 73 abut the'sides of theframe 60. The-pistons in cylinders 92will now have completed only aportion of their strokes.

Continued admission of fluid to the cylinders with resultant furtheroutward movement of the piston rods 95 from the cylinders will causestraightening out of the toggle linkages 87 with resultant elevatingofthe fork lift support plates 82 and forks 83 carried thereby to theposition of Figs. 5 and 13. The pivotal mounting 93, 94 of cylinders 92on frame 60 accommodates the slight tilting of the cylinders whichoccurs during straightening out of the toggle linkages.

Introduction of hydraulic fluid to the opposite ends of cylinders 92results first in lowering of the fork lift support plates and thenretraction of the fork lift devices to the position of Fig. 12.

The after forklift section 37, as shown in Figs. .15 and. 16', issimilar to the'forward section and differs-from thelatter only in thegreater lengths of the after section frame cross frames 74' and 75', andfork lift support plates 82' and in the fact that two hydraulic cylinderassemblies 91 are employed to operate each fork lift device 42 and 43rather than one as in the case of the forward fork lift section. Alsofour guide bars 72 and 73 rather than two, are employed in each forklift device, the guides for the after section guide bars being identicalto the guides for the forward section guide bars. The construction ofthe after cross frames 74 and 75' is generally similar to that of theforward cross frames, four vertical guides 79 being provided on eachframe for eooperationwith four guide blocks 84 on each fork lift supportplate 82'.

The number of fork members 83 carried by the after section fork liftsupport plates 82' is made greater than the number of fork members 83carried by the forward section fork lift support plates in order toaccommodate the varying wheel bases of the dilferent makes of cars. Thusthe distance between the center ones of the fork members 83 of theforward section and the forward ones of the fork members 83 on the aftersection is made less than. the minimum wheel base of any exist ing carwhile the distance between the center ones of the forward fork membersand the after ones of the after fork members is made greater than themaximum wheel base of any car.

The remainder of the after section and operation of its fork liftdevices is identical to the forward section, the cylinders associatedwith the after fork lift devices 42 and 43 operating simultaneously tofirst laterally extend the later and then elevate the fork supportplates 82' and fork members 83 carried thereby. Further description ofthis after section is, therefore, deemed unnecessary.

Referring now to Figs. 1722, the center tractor section comprises achannel frame 97 provided at opposite ends with tongues 98 which arebridged adjacent their free ends by bearing sleeves 99, for hingedlyconnecting thetractor section to the forward and after lift sections, aswill presently be seen.

Joined to opposite sides of frame 97 are angle sections 100 having upperhorizontal flanges substantially.

coplanar with the upper surface of frame 97. Extending through the sideflanges of frame 97 and the vertical flanges of the angle sections 100are a pair of drive shafts 101, fixedly mountingsprockets 102, and apair of idler shafts 103.

Drive shafts 101 are each journaled in a pair of bearings 104 (Fig. 20)carried at the ends of a pair of arms 105 which have their other endspivoted at 106 about a horizontal axis between pairs of brackets 107depending from the underside of the horizontal flanges of angle sections100. Adjustable spring suspension means 108, extending between thehorizontal flanges of the angle sections 100 and thearms 105, serve toresiliently bias the arms and drive shafts 101 journaled thereindownwardly about the pivotal connection 107.

Idler shafts 103 are journaled in pairs of bearing blocks 109 which areslidably mounted for vertical movement in guides 110, bearing blocks 109being resiliently supported by adjustable spring suspension means 111(Fig. 20).

Drive shafts 101 mount cogged wheels 112 at their outer ends and idlershafts 103 mount bogey wheels 113 at their ends, the wheels 112 and 113having trained thereabout the internally cogged endless belt treads 39thelower run of which extends slightly below the bottom of frame 97, asshown in Figs. 18 and 20, so that the tractor section is supported onthe treads.

The tension in the treads, may be adjusted by adjustment of the springsuspension means 108 for the drive shafts, the bogey wheels 113 actingas idlers to maintain the lower run of the treads in contact with the,floor over substantially the entire lower run.

Indicated at 115 is a reversible hydraulic motor, sup- V 9 ported on theunderside of frame 97, which is supplied with operating fluid forreversed directions of operation through the flexible conduits $6 and 47(Fig. 1) and subsequently described piping, not shown in Fig. 17, on thesection. I The driven shaft 116 of the motor mounts a pair of sprockets117 around which and the sprockets 102 on drive shafts 101 are trained apair of drive chains 118, the latter passing over idler sprockets 119.It will be seen that treads 39 are positively driven at the same speed,by virtue of the cogs on the treads and drive wheels 112, so that thereis no tendency for the tractor section to turn as might occur if thetreads could slip on the drive wheels.

The tractor section is connected to the forward and after lift sectionsby means of hinge pins 120 which, in the connected condition of thesections pass through the bearing sleeves 99 and side flanges of theframes 60, 60'

of the forward and after lift sections, as shown in Figs. 17 and 22. Thesections are articulated in this fashion to accommodate any slightinclines to which the floors of the parking stalls may conform toprovide for runoff of any rain water that may enter the stalls.

As shown in Figs. 23-26, hydraulic fluid is conveyed to the hydrauliccylinders 92 of the forward and after lift sections and 37 through apair of conduits 121and 122 carried by the traverse, suitable flexiblesections 123 being provided in said conduits where they bridge thesections of the traverse. Conduit 121 has branches connected to theinner ends of the cylinders 92 while conduit 122 .has branches connectedto the outer ends of the cylinders.

Conduits 121 and 122 terminate at the forward end of the traverse inangle sections 124 each having an extension extending below the frame 60of the forward lift section. These latter extensions terminate in swivelcouplings 125 to which are connected the flexible conduits 44 and 45 ofFig. l.

Hydraulic fluid for drive motor 115 is supplied through a pair ofrearwardly extending conduits 126 and 127, the latter having flexiblesections 128 where they bridge the tractor and after lift sections.These latter conduits terminate in U-sections 129 each having an armextending below the frame 60' of the after section, said armsterminating in swivel couplings-130 to which the conduits 46 and 47 ofFig. 1 are connected.

The spacing between swivel couplings 130 is somewhat less than thatbetween swivel couplings 125 so that conduits 46 and 47 will lie withinconduits 44 and 45 as illustrated in Fig. l. a

Reiterating the operation of the present traverse, and assuming thetraverse and crane to be in the positions illustrated in Fig. 1, thecontrols on panel 33 are actuated to supply fluid through conduits 45and 122 to the cylinders 92 of the fork lift devices of the forward andafter lift sections to first cause the latter to be laterally extendedto the phantom line position of Figs. 4 and 12 wherein the fork members83 of the forward and after sections extend into the grooves 57 in theraised side portions55 of the stall floor. As previously indicated, thefork members will be positioned below the wheels of the car C. When thedevices have been thus extended, heads 96 on the guide rods 72 and 73 ofthe devices abut the sides of the frames 60 and 60 of the forward'andafter sections so as to prevent further outward travel of the rods.Continued admission'of fluid to the cylinders results'in theaforede'scribed straightening out of the toggle linkages 87 with aresultant elevating of the fork support plates 82 and 82' and forkmembers 83 carried thereby, the latter engaging under the wheels of thecarW to elevate the latter to the position of Figs. 1, 5, and 13. I

Hydraulic fluid is nowsupplied to drive motor 115 of the tractor section36, through conduits -46 and.127, to actuate the motor'in a direction topropel the traverse, with the car supported in elevated positionthereon, onto the lift platform 32. l y p The crane mechanism 30 istranslated to a position of vertical alinement with the ground floorloading position 10 l of the parking system while lift platform 32 islowered tothe'ground floorlevel. Hydraulic fluid is again-supplied to'motor through conduits 47 and 126 'to'move the traverse off the liftplatform onto the loading and unloading area whereat fluid is suppliedto the cylinders 92 through conduits 44 and 121 to cause the fork liftsupport plates 82 and 82 and forkmembers 83 to be lowered to deposit thecar on suitable spaced elements, not

shown, which allow retraction of the forks from be-' neath the wheels.Continued admission of fluid to'the cylinders through conduits 44 and121 causes movement of the fork lift devices to their laterallyretractedposi tion (position shown in solid lines in Figs. 4 and 12).

The operation of thetraverse during parking of cars is similar to thatdescribed above except that the car is transported from theloading areaat the ground floor level onto the lift platform, the latter is elevatedto a position of alinement with a selected parking stall, and the car iscarried and deposited therein by the traverse, the latter being movableoff the lift platform in either direction to deposit the car in a stall'at either side of the platform.

As previously mentioned, the fork members 83 of the forward and afterlift sections will be alined with the grooves in the floor of theselected stall when one or the other of the bumpers 57 abut the endwalls of the stalls. Suitable means such as overload relief valves maybe incorporated in'the hydraulic system of the drive motor 115 todiscontinue the supply of fluid to the latter when the traverse soengages the end wall of the selected stall.

Obviously many modifications in the design and arrangernent of parts ofthe invention are possible in the light of the foregoing, teachings. Itis to be understood, therefore, that within the scope of the followingclaims the invention may be practiced otherwise than is specificallydescribed herein.

We claim:

1. A traverse device for use in mechanical car parking systems,comprising: an elongated movable vehicle, means carried by the vehiclefor propelling the latter in opposite, directions, pairs of frame meansat opposite ends of the vehicle with the frame means of each pair offrame means disposed at opposite sides of the vehicle, means mountingsaid frame means on the vehicle for horizontal movement betweenlaterally extendedand retracted positions relative to the vehicle,vertically movable lift means carried by each of said frame means,toggle-linkage means connected between each of said lift means and itsassociated frame means for causing elevating of the lift means whenthetoggle means are operated in one direction and lowering of the liftmeans when the toggle means are operated in the other direction, andmeans for operating saidtoggle means, said last mentioned means alsoacting to extend and retract said frame means when said lift means arelowered.

, 2. The subject matter of claim 1 wherein said last mentioned meanscomprises fluid operated means connectedto each of said toggle means.

3. A traverse device for use in mechanical car parking systems,comprising: an elongated movable vehicle including a plurality of hingedsections, means carried by an intermediate one of said sections forpropelling the vehicle in opposite directions, pairs of frame meansassociated vwith sections at opposite sides of said intermediatesection, the frame means of each pair of frame means being dispos'ed atopposite sides of the vehicle, means mounting said frame means on thevehicle for opposite horizontal movement of the frame means of each pairof frame means between laterally extended and retractedposit-ions,vertically movable lift means carried by each of said frame means andincluding spaced. members for engagingunder the wheels of a car, a pairof pivotally connected, vertically" disposed, toggle links associatedwitheach frame and lift means, one link of 1 each pair {of links beingpivotally connected to the respectiveframe means and the other linkbeing pivotally connected to' Jthe respective, lift means and vfluidoperated piston means carried by the vehicle associated with each pairoftoggle links and including a piston rod pivotally connected to thecenter of each pair of links for moving the frame means betweenretracted and extended positions andfor elevating and lowering theliftmeans. v

4. In a traverse of the class described, a movable vehicle, a pluralityof guide .bars mounted for horizontal, lateral movement on the vehicle,frame means bridging corresponding ends of the barsat one sideof thevehicle for movement with the bars between laterally extended andretracted, positions, a vertically movable fork lift device mounted onsaid frame means, toggle linkage means connected between said framemeans and lift de-, vice for elevating and lowering the latter, andpower operated means connected between the vehicle and said toggle:linkage means for movingsaid guide bars and frame means betweenextended and retracted positions and for operating said toggle linkagemeans to raise and lowerthe lift device.

= 5. The subject matter of claim 4 wherein said toggle linkage meanscomprises a pair of vertically disposed pivotally connected togglelinks, one of said links being pivoted to said frame means and the otherof said links being pivoted to said fork lift device, and said poweroperated means comprises fluid operated piston means carried by saidvehicle and having a piston rod pivotally connected to the pivotedconnection of said toggle links, said bars including stop meansengageable with the vehicle for limiting laterally extendable movementthereof. 6. In a mechanical car parking system, a floor for r'eceivingacar and including supporting means for the wheels of the car, saidsupporting means comprising rneansspaced longitudinally of the car forsupporting each wheel of the car, the wheel supporting means at one sideof the car being spaced from the .wheel supporting means at the otherside of the car, the last mentioned spacing being small enoughtoaccommodate cars of minimum tread width and said wheel supportingmeans being wide enough to accommodate cars of maximum tread width, anda traverse device for transporting a car to and from said floor, saiddevice comprising an elongated vehicle movable between said wheelsupporting means at opposite, sides of'the car, means for moving thevehicle, horizontally extendable and retractable means at opposite endsof the vehicle, vertically movable lift means at opposite sides of thevehicle carried by said extendable and retractable means, said liftmeans including spaced-apart members receivable in the extended positionof said extcndable and retractable means be- I tween said means spacedlongitudinally of the car for engaging under the wheels of the car, saidlift means being vertically movable to'cllevate said spaced-apartmembers above said wheel supporting means, and said ex-,

tendable and retractable means, being retractable to .a

position wherein said spaced-apart members horizontally clear said wheelsupporting means, and reversible means operable in one direction ofoperation to first extend said extendable and retractable means and thenelevate said lift means and operable in the other direction of opera vof thevehiclefcarriedby said extendable and retractable means, andreversible meansfoperable in one: direction of theother direction ofoperation to first lower said lift meansand then retract said extendableand retractable means, said reversible means comprising fluid operatedmeans and toggle linkage means actuated by said fluid operated means'andconnected between said lift means and extendable and retractable means.7

Q 8. In a traverse device for use in a mechanical car parking system, anelongated, movable vehicle including forward and after sections and acenter section, said sections being hinged together, vertically movableand horizontally extendable and retractable lift means carried atopposite sides of the forward and after sections, means forIoperatingsaid lift means, means carried by the center sectionfor propelling thevehicle in opposite directions operation t'ol firstextend saidextendable and retractable iii'earils'l a'nd" theft" elevate "said liftrrieans aiid operable iii including pairs of synchronously rotatablydriven wheels at opposite sides, of the center section and endlesstreads trained around and positively driven by said wheels, and a cranemechanism including an elevator platform onto and off of which saiddevice is adapted to move, said lift operating means and vehiclepropelling means comprising fluid operating means, pairs of flexibleconduits for conveying fluid to and from each of said two last mentionedmeans, spring biassed rotatable drums mounted below the platform andupon which said conduits are adapted to be wound, and pairs ofvertically disposed sheaves rotatably mounted in openings in theplatform and having said conduits extending therebetween, the planesofsaid sheaves being parallel to the direction of movement of the traversewhereby said traverse is adapted to move off the platform in oppositedirections, the tension .imposed on said conduits by said spring biasseddrums aiding in guiding said device during movement thereof.

9. A traverse'for use in mechanical car parking systems, comprising: amovable vehicle, frame means supported'on the vehicle for horizontalextension and retraction relative to the vehicle, lift means supportedon the frame means for vertical movement relative to the frame means,and reversible power means connected to said frame means and tosaid'lift means and operable to horizontally extend and retract saidframe means relative to the vehicle and to vertically raise and lowersaid lift means relative to said frame means when the latter means arein extended position, said powermeanscom prising toggle link meansconnected between said frame means and lift means, and a power operateddevice anchored to the chassis of said vehicle and operatively connectedto said toggle link means, said device being operative to exert a forceon said toggle link means to extend and retract said frame means and tooperate said toggle link means to raise and lower said lift means whenthe frame means are in extended position.

10. The subject matter of claim 9 wherein said device comprises ahydraulic cylinder having an piston connected to the "center pivot ofsaid toggle link means.

' 11. In combination, in a mechanical car parking system, a traverseincluding a movable vehicle, a traverse 1 mechanism, including anelevator platform onto and off of which said traverse is adapted tomove, a pair of hydraulic conduits extending between said platform andtraverse, said platform having a pair of openings therein, apair ofsheaves rotatably mounted in each of said openings and coplanarlydisposed parallel to the direction of movement of the traverse, eachofsaid conduits extending between one pair of said sheaves, springbiassed drumsbelow said platform on which said conduits are wound, saidpairs of sheaves'being disposed in substantially parallel planes spacedlaterally'of the direction of movement of said vehicle and said conduitsbeing secured to the traverse so as to extend substantially parallel'tosaid direction whereby said traverse is adapted to move off the platformin'opposite directions, the tension impos'e'doms'aid conduits by's'aidspring biassed drums aid References Cited in the file of this patentUNITED STATES PATENTS Reese May 13, 1902 Dinkelberg May 11, 1926 Balkemaet a1. June 12, 1934 Kent Feb. 16, 1937 Bach Sept. 7, 1937 10 14 AustinApr. 21, 1942 Bratley July 20, 1943 Schreck Feb. 19, 1946 Lull Dec. 16,1952 Sanders et a1. Ian. 20, 1953 Glenn et a1. Feb. 5, 1957 FOREIGNPATENTS Germany Dec. 19, 1935 Germany Nov. 27. 1942

